Public Works Minister C M Udasi on Tuesday told the legislative assembly that the government will not construct roads in forests as it would be against the forest conservation legislation. However, basic amenities would be provided to the human settlements in the neighbourhood of villages. 

Replying to the members of both ruling and Opposition parties who demanded that the government must give permission for construction of roads in forests to help tribals and provide basic amenities to hamlets around forests and allow construction of buildings for essential purposes.

The Minister said that it is not possible to provide amenities to forest dwellers. Decisions on providing facilities to tribal settlements or villages are taken by village forest committees, he added.

Mining

 To an allegation by T B Jayachandra (Cong) that in his home district Tumkur illegal mining is being carried out, Udasi said he would take action against mining companies if they are found functioning against the rules.
To a question, he said 11 notifications were issued inviting applications for grant of mining lease for iron ore and manganese in Bellary, Chitradurga, Tumkur and Bagalkot districts since last three years.

Of the 11 notifications, 7 notifications were challenged by various applicants before the High Court and stay obtained. Two notifications were challenged before Mines Tribunal and stay obtained.

Hence, no action could be taken to grant mining lease in respect of the said nine notifications.